'Ground Zero' Firefighter Shares 9/11 Experience With Chatham Students

CHATHAM, NJ — More than twenty years later, the memories of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the devastation in New York City remain clear for Robert Penn, a Chatham resident and retired Bloomfield firefighter who served at Ground Zero.

Following the success of last year, Penn once again visited Chatham High School on Wednesday to discuss his experience with students during their lunch hour.

Penn, who was a captain at the time, voluntarily served in New York City during the rescue and recovery efforts following the terrorist attacks. He and his department were stationed at the Javits Center, about four miles from Ground Zero, where they received instructions for the rescue and recovery operations.

During their lunch break, students were invited to ask Penn questions about his experience, and he responded by sharing anecdotes and insights gained from his service.

"Our students are fortunate to hear of Captain Penn’s experience and his perspective of what he learned on that day," School District of the Chathams Social Studies Supervisor Steven Maher said.

Maher noted that students asked a range of questions, from the origins of the 911 emergency number—established in the 1960s for its ease of use on rotary phones—to how different generations address the challenges of their time.

"The Chatham High School students and staff who filled a classroom during lunch had a much more conversational program with Captain Penn, exchanging profoundly personal and powerful experiences of that tragic day," Maher said.

Penn emphasized how Americans of all backgrounds united and supported each other in New York City in the days following the attacks. He remarked that he had never witnessed such a level of solidarity and community spirit as he saw among the people in the tri-state area after September 11.

He encouraged students to perform acts of kindness and prioritize others, suggesting that such actions could help rebuild the trust that has eroded over the years. His message echoed sentiments from last year when he pointed out the current climate of divisiveness and animosity, with Americans feeling more polarized than ever.

A total of 13 Chatham residents died during the 9/11 attacks. They are Donald L. Adams, Dennis Buckley, Paul S. Gilbey, Gary R. Haag, Anthony P. Infante Jr.; Robin B. Larkey, Christian H. Maltby, Philip W. Mastrandrea, Peter C. Moutos, Thomas Strada, Kenneth J. Swenson, William R. Tieste and Peter M. West.